One Million Dollars? You Bet

Sam Houston Race Park hosts its own Kentucky Derby

SAT 5/3In the Southern tradition, the first Saturday in May means mint juleps,
fine attire and the Kentucky Derby. But, of course, not everyone can get to
Churchill Downs, so Sam Houston Race Park is offering its own derby day to celebrate
the 129th "Run for the Roses." Events include a special Kentucky Derby buffet,
hat contests (the more, um, flowery the better) and a seminar on Thoroughbred
horse handicapping. Oh, and let's not forget the big prize: $1,000,000 to anyone
who predicts the exact order in which the derby's 20 horses will cross the finish
line. Feeling lucky?Around 6,000 people came out for last year's derby events
at Sam Houston. "It's amazing," says the park's Martha Claussen, "especially
because there's no live racing until June." But the park has 1,200 televisions
that simulcast races from every track in America and several others worldwide;
and you can wager on any of them, including the nine leading up to Saturday's
main event. Grandstand opens at 9 a.m.; Kentucky Derby starts at 5 p.m. 7575
North Sam Houston Parkway West. For information, call 281-807-RACE or visit
www.shrp.com.-- Eric Norvell

Stiff Competition
The patrons at Catbirds take their trivia seriously. If you don't have much
knowledge of pop culture, science or history, they're not likely to treat you
kindly. After all, the National Trivia Network beams the game into bars across
the country, which compete for the highest average score. And when Catbirds
ranks No. 1 (which happens fairly often), there's free shots all around. 1336
Westheimer. For information, call 713-523-8000. -- Cathy Matusow

SAT 5/3Brave the Bayou
Contrary to popular belief, if you were to fall into a Houston bayou, your skin
would not be eaten by radioactive gunk. So don't be afraid to join in the Buffalo
Bayou Regatta, Texas's largest canoe and kayak race. Check-in and registration
are at 8 a.m. at 7700 San Felipe (at Voss), across from the starting line. Races
run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 713-752-0314 or visit www.buffalo-bayou.org.
$35. -- Cathy Matusow